Patrick Hwu: Can we trick tumor cells into looking like immune cells?

Patrick Hwu shared a post on X:

“Can we trick tumor cells into looking like immune cells? Ervin Ascic, Pereira Lab, Fábio Fiúza Rosa Et al. used adenoviral vectors to introduce 3 transcription factor genes in vivo which reprogrammed tumor cells to function like dendritic cells capable of activating an antitumor T cell response.  This is an innovative way to enhance tumor immunogenicity, paving the way to application of this concept in cancer patients.”

In vivo dendritic cell reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy

Authors: Ervin Ascic, et al.

Source: Patrick Hwu/X

Dr. Patrick Hwu, MD, currently serves as the President and CEO of Moffitt Cancer Center. With a focus on understanding the dynamics between tumors and the immune system, Dr. Hwu’s research has been pivotal in advancing gene-modified T cell therapy. He notably contributed seminal work on the development of the first chimeric antigen receptor aimed at combating cancer. His research portfolio extends to vaccines, adoptive T-cell therapies, and mechanisms of immune resistance.

Before joining, Dr. Hwu held numerous leadership roles at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for over 17 years. Notably, he served as the inaugural Chairman of the Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology in 2003, as well as the Associate Director of the Center for Cancer Immunology Research. Additionally, he chaired the Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, demonstrating his commitment to advancing cancer treatment and research.